Keraia
Matthew 5

Matthew 5:32

Divorce · Matthew 5:31–32
Read Matthew 5

Translations

Modern
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Traditional
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Literal
But I say to you that everyone sending away his wife, except for the reason of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her who has been sent away, he commits adultery.
Latin
Ego autem dico vobis: quia omnis qui dimiserit uxorem suam, excepta fornicationis causa, facit eam mœchari: et qui dimissam duxerit, adulterat.

Original

Greek
English
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Notes

Matthew 5:32

  • The exception clause allows, but does not require divorce if a spouse is unfaithful (see also Matthew 19:9). Importantly, Jesus does not require death for the guilty person (see Deuteronomy 22:21–22).

  • The idea is that if a man divorces his wife for the wrong reasons, he forces her into adultery by making her remarry. This would violate the law.

  • he who marries a divorced woman: It is unclear if Jesus means any divorced woman or only those divorced without a valid reason (like unfaithfulness). Jewish divorce law assumed that legitimate divorces allowed remarriage.

Matthew 5:31–32

Jesus challenges how people misuse the Old Testament rules about divorce (see Deuteronomy 24:1–4; compare Matthew 19:3–9). Only following the rules does not make divorce right. Jesus permits divorce only for sexual infidelity and bans casual divorce (see also 1 Corinthians 7:10–11).

Matthew 5:21–47

You have heard … But I tell you: Jesus contrasts his teachings to six misunderstandings of the law. Each example shows the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals God's will, which contrasts with human traditions.

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 24:1–5 Luke 16:18

Glossary

Adultery Biblical Concept of Law Discipline Divorce First Letter to the Corinthians Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Marriage, Marriage Customs Moses Reward Sea of Galilee Sexual Immorality

Topics

Adultery: General Scriptures Concerning Affairs Being a Good Husband Being a Husband Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Deserted Wives Divorce: Forbidden by Christ Except for Adultery Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorcing An Unbeliever Grounds for Divorce Immorality Instruction in Religion Judaism: The Religion of the Jews: To Make Room for the Gospel Law: Temporary Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Multiple Wives Religion: True Remarriage Second Marriage Spousal Abuse The Unmarried